Supports – Brackets – Of sheet material
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-30
2001-07-03
Braun, Leslie A. (Department: 3632)
Supports
Brackets
Of sheet material
C248S674000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06254048
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to motor vehicle components and, more particularly, to a component of an automotive anti-locking braking system.
In the automotive industry, heavy pieces of equipment, e.g. heavy duty trucks, tractors, trailers, and off road vehicles are often outfitted with braking systems operated by compressed air. Air brakes, as they are commonly referred to, use compressed air to actuate the vehicle brakes, thereby slowing and/or stopping the vehicle. Air brake systems can also be provided with an anti-locking feature that modifies the application of braking air pressure when impending wheel lock-up is sensed, which provides enhanced directional control of the vehicle during braking maneuvers.
A typical anti-lock air brake system is comprised of several components. A design of one of these components, referred to as an anti-lock modulator, is itself comprised of several components. The anti-lock modulator housing has a supply port, a delivery port, and an exhaust port internally connected through a series of air passageways. An exhaust diaphragm and a supply diaphragm are located within the air passage network of the housing. The flow of air through the ports and air passage network of the housing is controlled by an anti-lock system controller through two solenoids, one referred to as an exhaust solenoid, the other referred to as a supply solenoid. Interacting with the air passage network of the modulator housing, the solenoids provide the electro-pneumatic interface between the electronic anti-lock system controller and the air braking actuator.
In order to modify the brake application, coils of the two solenoid valves contained in the modulator are energized or deenergized in a preprogrammed sequence by the anti-lock controller. When the solenoid coil is energized, an armature within the solenoid moves, and depending upon the function of the specific solenoid, it either opens or closes thereby causing the exhaust or reapplication of air pressure to the brake actuator. The solenoids in the modulator are controlled independently by the electronic anti-lock controller. By opening and closing the solenoid valves in the modulator, the anti-lock controller is able to modify the brake application when wheel lock is detected or imminent.
The anti-lock modulator is positioned in tightly confined areas on a vehicle. These space limitations have caused the modulator housing to become more streamlined. As a result, there are no convenient means for attaching the dual solenoid pack that actuates the valves contained within the housing. Additionally, the solenoid pack needs to be robustly clamped to the housing with enough force to maintain its position without damaging the plastic material covering the solenoids.
Thus, it is highly desirable to provide a clamp that is strong enough to retain an object in position and that allows a housing to be positioned within a confined area.
It is also desirable to provide a clamp made of a single piece in order to reduce costs associated with producing a modulator housing assembly.
It is also desirable to provide a clamp made of a single piece capable of compensating for tolerance variations in component parts of a housing.
It is also desirable to provide a clamp requiring a reduced number of fasteners for attachment to a housing.
It is also desirable to provide a clamp that is easily removed from a housing providing access to an object being secured thereby.
It is also desirable to provide a single piece clamp capable of securing an object to a housing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the teaching of the present invention, a single piece solenoid clamp is provided. The clamp has an upper portion and a lower portion integrally connected by a pair of spaced apart legs. Each leg is bent so that a substantially 90° angle is formed. A lower portion of the clamp has a base containing two through holes. These holes are used to attach the clamp to a housing by means of threaded fasteners. An upper portion of the housing has a cross member that connects the spaced apart legs thereby providing additional structural support. The upper portion of the clamp also has a rounded portion having a circumference. The rounded portion and the cross member are integrally connected by a second pair of spaced apart legs.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an effective means for securing an object to a housing. The upper rolled portion of the clamp allows one end of the clamp to be easily installed and securely located within a corresponding rounded portion of a housing without the use of additional fasteners. In a preferred embodiment, the spaced apart legs connecting the upper and lower portions of the clamp act as a leaf spring compensating for tolerances of the component parts. In a preferred embodiment, the leaf spring feature also limits the load transferred to the secured object, a solenoid assembly.
In a preferred embodiment, the clamp is removable, providing easy access to the secured object when service or replacement is necessary. After two threaded fasteners are removed from the lower portion, the cylindrical rounded end of the upper portion of the clamp allows the clamp to be rotated out of the way. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the relatively small size of the clamp allows the housing to be placed in a more confined area than was previously obtainable.
In a preferred embodiment, the clamp is formed in a single piece. This reduces production costs and assembly costs associated with the modulator housing assembly.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the following drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1206645 (1916-11-01), Altman
patent: 4566865 (1986-01-01), Nishitsuji
patent: 5366186 (1994-11-01), Weyeneth
patent: 5649812 (1997-07-01), Schenmeyr et al.
patent: 5826836 (1998-10-01), Gallichan et al.
patent: 5885024 (1999-03-01), Zupan et al.
patent: 5938169 (1999-08-01), Ogawa et al.
U.S. application Ser. No. 09/108,053.
Ashley Gregory R.
Johnson Duane R.
AlliedSignal Truck Brake Systems Company
Baxter Gwendolyn
Braun Leslie A.
LandOfFree
Solenoid clamp does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Solenoid clamp, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Solenoid clamp will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2542704